Ham and cheese sliders are tasty little sandwiches packed with flavor! Soft rolls hug yummy ham and melty cheese, making them a perfect snack or meal for any time of day.
These sliders are super easy to make, and they’re always a hit at parties! I love serving them warm, so the cheese gets all gooey. What’s better than a warm bite of goodness? 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dinner Rolls: I love using Hawaiian rolls for their sweetness, but any soft dinner roll works. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider whole wheat or gluten-free rolls.
Deli Ham: While I prefer honey ham for its flavor, you can switch it up with turkey, roast beef, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
Cheese: Cheddar and Swiss are classics, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or provolone for a different flavor. Dairy-free cheese blends are great substitutes too!
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavors best, but if you’re cutting back on dairy, olive oil or a dairy-free butter can be used instead.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Melty Cheese?
The key to gooey cheese lies in how you bake the sliders. When you cover the sliders with foil for the first bake, it traps steam, helping the cheese melt wonderfully. Be sure to remove the foil later to get that lovely golden color on top!
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even cooking.
- Brush your seasoning mixture evenly over the rolls for the best flavor.
- Keep an eye on the sliders during the last few minutes—remove them as soon as they’re golden to avoid overcooking.
How to Make Ham And Cheese Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 soft dinner rolls (e.g., Hawaiian rolls or slider buns)
- 12 slices deli ham
- 12 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a mix)
For the Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total time of around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal idea!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, get your baking dish ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the sliders from sticking.
2. Prepare the Rolls:
Take the dinner rolls and slice them in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms together in a single piece. This makes assembly easier. Gently separate the tops from the bottoms, and place the bottom halves into the baking dish.
3. Add the Ham:
Now, evenly layer the bottom half of the rolls with delicious slices of ham. Make sure to cover them well so every bite is filled with flavor. Yum!
4. Add the Cheese:
Next, place the cheese slices over the ham. You can mix and match cheese types or use just one kind. Cover the entire layer of ham to ensure cheesiness in every bite!
5. Close the Sliders:
Once the ham and cheese are in place, gently place the top halves of the rolls back on to form your yummy sandwiches.
6. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder if you’re using it. Whisk until all ingredients are nicely mixed together.
7. Brush the Mixture:
Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. This will give them a beautiful, golden color and a delicious taste as they bake!
8. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt perfectly!
9. Uncover and Finish Baking:
After 15 minutes, take off the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melty. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too brown!
10. Let Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, carefully separate them and serve warm. Enjoy your gooey, buttery ham and cheese sliders as a delicious appetizer, snack, or meal!
Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Types of Rolls for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are a favorite for their sweetness, you can use any soft dinner rolls, such as slider buns, brioche, or even whole wheat rolls if you prefer a healthier option.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking them straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven keeps them crispier!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Sliders?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even pickles for extra flavor. Spinach or other veggies can also be added for a nutritional boost! Just make sure not to overload the rolls, so they hold together nicely.
